LONDON
SHOREDITCH
Shoreditch is the home of London's hipsters. Once you've set foot in this neighborhood, get ready to meet stylished and hysptery people! For the record... I once found myself in the middle of a massive arrival of top models and other people coming for a private event at Dray Walk and doing cat walks and striking a pose in front of cameras. This kind of situation perfectly describes the kind of atmosphere we can find in Shoreditch!
Known for its bars and its food markets, this unique neighborhood stands out above all for the street-art!
SHOREDITCH ESSENTIALS
BRICK LANE
One of the first things you will notice while walking on Brick Lane is the numerous pieces of street-art then revealing the artistic side of Shoreditch and bringing some color to the industrial style of this area. Do not hesitate to explore the streets around Brick Lane to further explore this open-air gallery and discover impressive urban works, including ones from the famous Banksy.
You will also find many vintage shops, the most famous being the Brick Lane Vintage Market, a labyrinth of second-hand clothes and accessories stalls in which it's nice to get lost and to go in search of bargains (even though this market remains quite expensive...). Not far away, there are two other markets to check out: the Backyard Market and the Tea Rooms Market. In addition to these three great vintage markets, you will find many other independent second-hand shops all along Brick Lane.
Brick Lane Vintage Market: 85 Brick Ln, Spitalfields - open Thursday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm.
Backyard Market: 146 Brick Ln - open on Saturday from 11am to 6pm and on Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
Tea Rooms Market: Dray Walk, Spitalfields - open on Saturday from 11am to 6pm and on Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
Perpendicular to Brick Lane and around the corner from Brick Lane Vintage Market, you will find Dray Walk, a shopping street linking Brick Lane and Hanbury Street. This passage that bypasses the Old Truman brewery is a place known for its bars, restaurants, shops but more particulaly for its private events.
If you take a weekend stroll down Brick Lane you can take advantage of the various food markets and stalls that offer a wide variety of street food. The two best known markets are: UpMarket Street Food Market and Brick Lane FoodHall. Otherwise, don't hesitate to queue at Beigel Bake, known to be the best place to taste a salted beef beigel in London.
UpMarket Street Food Market: 91 Brick Ln, Spitalfields - open on Sundays only from 10am to 5pm.
Brick Lane Food Hall: 152 Brick Ln - open on Saturday from de 11am to 6pm and on Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
OLD SPITAFIELDS MARKET
Close to Liverpool Street Station, Old Spitafields Market is a historic covered market with buildings dating from the 19th century. In this market, you will either find street food or merchant stands selling art, antiques, clothes or even artisan products... This wide variety of products explains why this market is often busy during the weekends. With its magnificent Victorian architecture, Old Spitafields Market has kept its beauty over the centuries. Today it is considered to be the best market in London!
Around Spitafields, take the time to do some window shopping in the surrounding stores. For my part, my favorites are Inspitafields and The Mercantile London...
COLUMBIA ROAD FLOWER MARKET
You will quickly realize you are approaching Columbia Road Flower Market when you spot passers-by with arms laden with plants... This flower market located in the north of Shoreditch is the best place where to find houseplants and flowers at a discount! Located right in the middle of Columbia Road, a fairly narrow street lined with small shops and cafes, the market quickly becomes crowded with locals and tourists. However, don't be afraid to mingle with the crowd to enjoy the experience of this flower market!
On a street perpendicular to Columbia Road, Ezra street is a small backstreet loved by locals who often stop there for a drink, savor oysters or go in search of hidden gems in the antique shops. It is also the place where musicians and dancers animate the market.
The flower market takes place on Sundays only from 8am to 3pm (approximately). Good tip to remember: before the market closes, the merchants sell off the prices!
NIGHTLIFE IN SHOREDITCH
Shoreditch is an animated neighborhood both day and night! Thanks to its pubs, its trendy bars, its rooftops and its food markets, the atmosphere is always in full swing. Here are some places to try...
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BOXPARK is a pop-up shopping center made of containers. In there, you'll find independent stores, cafes but also street food. Similar to Boxpark, DINERAMA was the perfect place to have a drink while ordering a meal at one of the street food stands on the ground floor. Unfortunately, this two-floors food market permanently closed its doors in October 2020 ...
Boxpark: 2-10 Bethnal Green Rd, Shoreditch - open daily from 11am to 10pm.
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QUEEN OF HOXTON is a popular rooftop in Shoreditch known for its changing settings and great atmosphere. From Parisian cabaret to Los Angeles Wedding Chapel, Queen of Hoxton transforms its rooftop every season. In summer, you can then enjoy the sunset and in winter, the various wood fires to warm up and melt marshmallows. The Queen of Hoxton rooftop is also used by the Rooftop Film Club and sometimes turns into an outdoor cinema!
Queen of Hoxton Rooftop: 1 Curtain Rd - times subject to change, see opening hours directly at https://queenofhoxton.com/rooftop/.
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COMMERCIAL TAVERN is a two-floor traditional British pub with a Victorian style architecture, rounded facade and large windows. Inside, the decoration is a bit more eccentric...
Commercial Tavern: 42-144 Commercial St, Spitalfields - open daily from noon to 11pm.
Of course, there are plenty of other cool places to try out but these three are some of my favorites. For more recommendations, refer to my "More Info" paragraph below.
QUIRKY SHOREDITCH
I think I made my point, Shoreditch is a unique area always full of surprises!
For example, if you are looking for hippie heaven you will find it at Nomadic Community Gardens, a collaborative garden hidden between railroads. The goal of this garden is to turn disaffected spaces into a place where people can share their passion for art and grow their own products.
Another unusual place in Shoreditch is Dennis Sever's House. This house located on Folgate Street near Spittafields reproduces the sounds, smells and settings of a house occupied by a family of silk weavers and this, through time (from the 18th to the 20th century). I haven't had the opportunity to experience this sensory experience yet, but it's on my list!
MORE INFO
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How do I get to Shoreditch?
Stations near Shoreditch are Liverpool Street Station (on the Central Line), Morgate / Old Street (on the Nothern Line), Shoreditch High Street / Hoxton (Overground) and Aldgate / Whitechapel (on the District and Hammersmith & City Lines) .
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My recommendations:
BREAKFAST CLUB - 12-16 Artillery Lane (close to the flower market) or 2-4 Rufus Street (close to Spittafields)
Great address to enjoy an English Breakfast.
OLD STREET RECORDS - 350 -354 Old St, Shoreditch
Live music venue where you can enjoy delicious cocktails and freshly made pizzas.
BLUES KITCHEN - 134-146 Curtain Rd, Shoreditch
Restaurant and night bar livened up by blues and rock'n roll music concerts.
THE CROWN & SHUTTLE - 226 Shoreditch High St, Shoreditch
Spacious pub on two levels with a large beer garden.
93 FEET EAST - 150 Brick Ln
Bar, club and live music venue in the heart of Brick Lane.
THE BOOK CLUB - 100-106 Leonard St, Shoreditch
Perfect place for brunch during the day, bar / club at night.